My friends are crazy! They want to take a state to state bus trip to see America. How far have you ...?

Question

ever traveled on a bus? I equate riding the bus with nightmares from my youth!In no way possible can this be fun, but I am trying to keep an open mind. I already have 2 chickens and a small pig packed for the trip. Alright it might not be that bad, but I can't imagine it would be that good. I am shooting for a train as an alternative anyone do that?

Okay, okay I am not really taking a pig and some chickens on the bus. It was crude humor relating to buses in third world countries, which I have ridden on next to a goat! Traveling on the bus in the States I am just kind of worried what type of “goat” I would have to sit near!

Answer 1

I've taken the bus in 3 different countries and the train in two... I DEFINATELY suggest the train!! I did Greyhound before (at least a half-dozen times) and each time it has been cramped and unfortable, with the average one-way trip lasting about 10-11 hours (and this is just in Texas!!)

Amtrak is much better, less crowed and you can walk around, go to the snack car, and even watch a movie in the viewing car (made of just windows to see the scenery). Some even get mini-tours on the area your passing through, depending on the time of year and place and such. Amtrak trains by far are much preferred.... and only costs slightly more than the bus, if you are on a budget (Do NOT go by Greyhound just to save $10... it's sooo not worth it!!)

Oh, and the train is still about half the price of a flight... and comes with nice scenic views :)

Answer 2

Don't. This is an idea from the thirties. Stick to the northernmost routes and use a car or van. And even then watch out. The bad spots. The southwest, Florida, any major city or township in the midwest.

I did that. When I was young. Extremely stupid, and too easygoing. I once had to walk from Indiana to Utah. About a year and a half ago. Or thereabouts.

I took Amtrak several times. Also the Greyhound route. Also a couple flights.

Good cue to take yours from; Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need. In it, he simply states, and I can back that up from personal experience, one of the many little dirt bag towns in America. I don't think he's kidding either.

If you're really an American, you don't believe your own press. New York City, and California? Absolute dirt bags. Except that California is colored in yellow on the political map. Or use to be. Know why?

Same reason the 7th Air Cav had their emblem on a yellow field. Because they're YELLOW. Whatever malice they execute on outsiders will be in a crowd. So they'll feel less chicken. WITH the consent and probable participation of the local authorities.

See America? Well, depends on what you call America.

Answer 3

I traveled from Illinois to California and back on Greyhound... twice! In many ways it was a real adventure! I think it would have been a lot more fun with friends, but I was riding alone... however I always met a lot of nice people. They don't allow pigs and chickens on the bus though. I've never ridden a train except for commuter trains.

Answer 4

I can only imagine that stepping on a nail would be more fun than taking a bus trip across the US. As for the train, thanks to corporate manipulation and federal neglect, mass transit as we know it, i.e. taking a train, is pretty difficult and will almost certainly not take you through every state.

The car is about the only way to successfully travel through the states and see all the wonderful things out there. If you take a road trip through the states with a car in good running condition and with the necessary funds and supplies to maintain your level of comfort...you will never regret it. This country is a vast beautiful paradise and so much of it, particularly out west, is unspoiled and looks pretty much the way it has for the last few million years.

Take the car.

Answer 5

I traveled from Minnesota to Connecticut on a bus. It was the worst trip I have ever made. Uncomfortable, smelly, and I felt like an animal that was being herded. Those two nights felt like a week! The places we stopped to eat were bad, and there were never enough stops when people needed to stop.
We traveled three times across the US with our three children in a trailer, and a camper,starting when My son was 13 months old. It was infinitely better. Look into renting one.

Answer 6

I did one a few years ago from New York to LA and back, and saw 20 states in six weeks, and that was with staying in one place on weekends. It's amazing. I have never travelled by train in the States, so I can't help you there. Driving cross country is great, but not sure if that's such a good idea with gas prices.

Answer 7

If they want a road trip use a car. The Bus is a nightmare and you have no control over the stops or the passengers. Remember not everyone is as familiar with soap and water as we would like. The joy of travel is in seeing and enjoying the stops and the ride.

Kar

Answer 8

I've never ridden a train. I have traveled by plane and by bus. I DO NOT suggest riding the bus! I went from NM to SC several time on the bus and they were all NIGHTMARE trips!! I hate to fly, but I've decided to take my chances in the air rather than on a bus.

Answer 9

Take the train. You can actually strech and get up, go to the dining car and the viewing car. Of course there are places the train does not go and you might have to take a bus for a short time. I would definately do it, but as long as it is a train and not a bus!!

Answer 10

I have traveled to Florida then to Texas then to California then all the way back to my house in New York in a bus before. It is actually not as bad as you think it is! If you will be with your friends you will have someone to talk to. I had no one to talk to when I went and it still wasn't that bad. If that still isn't convincing try reading some books while your in the bus.